GERALD K. "JERRY" MOORE
MEMORIAL SERVICE COLORADO
PETER BRAUN REMEMBERS JERRY The Teacher and The Student
MY NAME IS PETER BRAUN. I met Jerry 27 years ago, right after graduating from business school. Jerry was the Branch Manager at PaineWebber in Boulder. Jerry was a legend in the Investment Business, and I was the last trainee that he hired. I became one of his Pups. Yes, Pups. That is short for Puppies. That is what Jerry called his rookies. Even if you weren't a Pup, everyone learned something from Jerry. As I was finishing the interview process, he did a classic Jerry move, and suggested, or should I say Dared me to go look around, to see if I could find a better place to work. I didn't even bother to look. Over the years, as you might imagine, Jerry reminded me of his challenge more than Once!
Soon after I started working, I would get papers on my desk from Jerry with SMOT on top. I kept getting them, and feeling dumb, I put my tail between my legs and went to his office. I asked: What is SMOT??? He said: See Me On This. I guess I should have known. Well the three little pups in our corner of the office would go back and forth to his office for our daily or hourly lessons. We went to see him so often, he said we were wearing down the carpet.
Jerry was able to admit when he made a mistake. At a High school wrestling match in 2003, in a match he refereed, there was a missed call. It was the State Finals at the Pepsi Center. The crowd of 20,000 people booed. After watching the video, Jerry realized there was a missed call and he was devastated! Most people would have moved on, but not Jerry Moore. He called the (Gallegos) family Then he drove to Montrose to apologize in person. He has been friends with the family ever since that day.
Jerry liked to hire athletes, and he hired his fair share. Basketball, Football, Wrestlers, and even a tennis player—me. Speaking of Athletes,
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Jerry was quite an athlete. I realized what an athlete he was when Jerry was in his 70's. I went to his other home --- a wrestling match-- and watched his magic. I couldn't believe my eyes. He moved around the mat like a teenager. Not only did he get up and down on the mat hundreds of times, he probably moved over 7 miles during that day. Now—That's an Athlete!!! Jerry was an amazing teacher. He touched so many people over the years. He changed people's lives, and always for the better! Jerry always led by example (first one in the office, always looking sharp with his signature bow ties.) Jerry was humble, in spite of his greatness. Jerry was friendly to everyone, no matter what their status, or rank.
I can't talk about Jerry without giving some Jerryisms. He had some classic Jerry expressions. So here are my top 10 Jerryisms. 1. There are no problems, only opportunities 2. Work on your strengths, as well as your weaknesses. 3. He was in the Nickel business. He would pick them up whenever possible, and wouldn't give them away very easily. He earned the nickname the Squeezenator! 4. A conversation is like a ballroom dance, with one person leading and the other following along. Try to lead the dance. 5. Have an Answer in our pocket ---so you can answer any question a person throws at you. 6. With People---There is often a stated reason, and a real reason why they do things. 7. A Career Reorientation Meeting—This was Jerry's way of saying you need a new line of work. But unlike most bosses, Jerry would often help these people find another job. 8. There's only about a 12 inch difference between a pat on the back, and a kick in the ___. (b***) 9. Be fair to the Man in the Glass. When you look in the mirror, the guy looking back will tell you if what you are doing is right or wrong. He will never lie to you. 10. Don’t try to teach Pigs to Sing. It only annoys the Pig and wastes your time.
These were some of my favorites, but there are plenty more! Jerry was my boss. Jerry was my teacher. Jerry was my mentor. Coach. Advocate. Counselor. Jerry was like a dad to me. He was a member of 3 Hall's of Fame. He was a member of my Hall of Fame! I will miss you Jerry Moore. I appreciate you! |
Page Created: December 2019; Last Updated: October 5, 2021